CJ Daniels: Miami's Day 3 Sleeper Ready to Shine
When ESPN tags a player as a "Day 3 sleeper," it’s time to pay attention. Miami's wide receiver, CJ Daniels, has earned this intriguing label for the 2026 draft class. After a six-year college career that saw him play for Liberty, LSU, and Miami, Daniels is primed to make his mark in the NFL.
From Liberty to Miami: A Journey of Growth
Daniels' college journey began with promise at Liberty. As a freshman in 2020, he recorded 11 catches for 220 yards and three touchdowns.
By 2021, he was making waves with 37 catches, 634 yards, and seven scores. Despite battling injuries in 2022, Daniels had a breakout year in 2023, boasting 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors.
His next stop was LSU, where he contributed 42 catches for 480 yards in 2024. However, a nagging foot injury kept him from finding the end zone.
Transferring to Miami, Daniels became a reliable veteran presence in 2025, finishing third on the team with 50 catches, 557 yards, and seven touchdowns. His college career totals an impressive 198 receptions, 2,996 yards, and 28 touchdowns.
ESPN's Playmaker Score: A Deep Dive
ESPN's Playmaker Score, a model analyzing Division I receivers since 1996, sees Daniels as a draftable talent. It values peak seasons more than recent ones, which plays to Daniels' strengths, highlighting his standout 2023 season at Liberty. However, his transition from a Group of 6 school to a Power 4 school like Miami brings complexities.
The model projects Daniels to average 136.3 receiving yards per season over his first five NFL years, drawing comparisons to players like Ty Montgomery II and Jalen Hurd. While his six-year college stint suggests limited growth potential, his secondary Playmaker Rating of 59.8% stands out among Day 3 prospects.
The NFL Potential
Despite not being a top headline receiver in this draft, Daniels possesses traits that NFL teams value. His ability to adapt and produce at different competition levels makes him a compelling late-round option. Evaluators see potential in his skill set, even if his path to the NFL hasn't been straightforward.
CJ Daniels may not be the flashiest name, but his journey through college football has prepared him for this moment. As a Day 3 sleeper, he's ready to prove his worth on the professional stage, and teams looking for depth and potential should keep him firmly on their radar.